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  • 🚨 The People Of Florida Will Do The Right Thing 🚨

🚨 The People Of Florida Will Do The Right Thing 🚨

Author

Anthony Varrell
October 21, 2024

GM Everyone,

We are a little over two weeks away from the election and everything is kicking into highgear. From DeSantis misinformation. To Trump working at McDonalds. To Kamala focusing on PA that could decide the election. The next two weeks are sure to be action packed and the headlines will be nothing short of must see. So get out and vote and if you are a fellow Floridian its #YesOn3.

Today’s letter can be read in 7 minutes and 45 seconds.

💸 High Impact

Just Give Up Already Ronny…. The People Want Weed

 

Florida's cannabis market is heating up faster than a July afternoon in Miami, and Amendment 3 is at the center of this political hotbox. As voters gear up to decide on the marijuana legalization initiative next month, the state's political theater has never been more captivating—or contentious.

Governor Ron DeSantis, ever the maestro of political maneuvers, is facing allegations of deploying state agencies as unwitting actors in his campaign against Amendment 3. In a twist worthy of a daytime soap, the Department of Transportation aired ads featuring sheriffs making eyebrow-raising claims about cannabis. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd took to the screen to suggest a link between marijuana use and domestic violence—a statement that would make even the most seasoned statistician reach for a stress ball.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and the Department of Education joined the fray with ads warning parents about the "real damage" cannabis can do to young brains. While none of these public service announcements explicitly mention Amendment 3, the timing is as conspicuous as a tiki bar in a hurricane.

On the flip side, the Smart & Safe Florida campaign is lighting up the airwaves with their own advertisements, cleverly enlisting bipartisan support. They've rolled out clips of former President Donald Trump endorsing the cannabis reform proposal, urging voters to "join" him in this green revolution. It's not every day you see Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris sharing common ground, but cannabis has a funny way of bridging gaps—or perhaps blurring lines.

Polling data up to October 2023 indicates that Amendment 3 enjoys majority support across party lines. A survey by the Florida Chamber of Commerce found that 59% of likely voters back the initiative, while the James Madison Institute reported an even more encouraging 64% in favor. It's clear that Floridians are warming up to the idea of legalization, perhaps envisioning a future where the state’s orange crops have some herbal company.

The battle hasn't been without its legal skirmishes. Trulieve, the primary corporate backer of Amendment 3, filed a defamation suit against the state's Republican Party, alleging voter deception about the amendment. It's a lawsuit that adds another layer of intrigue to an already complex narrative.

Even within the political ranks, there's a kaleidoscope of opinions. Republican state Senator Joe Gruters has endorsed the initiative, proudly declaring himself "as MAGA as they come" while supporting legalization. On the other hand, figures like Rep. Matt Gaetz oppose the amendment, not on the grounds of cannabis itself, but due to procedural preferences for statutory enactment over constitutional amendments.

Governor DeSantis remains steadfast in his opposition, despite growing public support and endorsements from heavy hitters. His administration's use of state-funded ads has raised questions about the ethical boundaries of political influence, but in the wild world of Florida politics, such lines are often as blurry as an impressionist painting.

In the final analysis, the saga of Amendment 3 is a microcosm of the national debate on cannabis—a blend of economics, personal freedom, and political strategy. For investors, the potential legalization opens doors to a lucrative market in a state known for its sizeable economy and tourist influx. The outcome could very well shift market dynamics and set precedents for other states teetering on the edge of legalization.

As Election Day approaches, all eyes are on Florida to see whether the state will embrace the winds of change or maintain its current course. One thing's for sure: the stakes are high, and not just in the metaphorical sense. Whether Amendment 3 passes or not, the conversation around cannabis legalization in Florida has reached a tipping point, promising an interesting ride for politicians, investors, and citizens alike.

📈 Dog Walkers

GTI Expands Incredibles Partnerships

Green Thumb Industries is mixing it up with a sweet twist, expanding its collaboration between the award-winning incredibles edibles brand and New York’s iconic Magnolia Bakery. That’s right—starting this week, cannabis lovers can indulge in the delicious nostalgia of Magnolia’s famous treats, now infused with THC, at RISE Dispensaries in New York, and soon online. Get ready to enjoy the Swirled Famous Banana Pudding Bar and the Red Velvet Piece Ahhh Cake 1:1 Bar, offering the perfect blend of Magnolia’s signature flavors with incredibles' premium chocolate. As Magnolia's Vice President, Sara Gramling, put it, fans have been eagerly waiting for this partnership to hit the Big Apple—and now, it’s finally here!

More Tilray Beer News

Breckenridge Brewery, under Tilray Brands’ banner, is ringing in winter with style—and lager! Their seasonal Funslinger Lager is back, just in time to pair with snowy adventures. Exclusive to Colorado, this crisp, easy-drinking brew comes with a twist: local artist Mike Graves has splashed his playful designs across the packaging, making the beer as visually refreshing as it is tasty. Plus, they’re raffling off limited-edition snowboards featuring the artwork at their annual Opening Pass Party. According to Tilray’s CMO, Prinz Pinakatt, this isn’t just a beer launch—it’s a tribute to the winter sports community. So, grab a Funslinger, and let’s toast to snow, sports, and stellar beer!

TILT Holdings Shakes Up C Suite

TILT Holdings (Cboe CA: TILT) is shaking things up at the top. Chief Revenue Officer Chris Kelly, who’s been steering the revenue ship since December 2022, has officially left the company. CEO Tim Conder framed the move as part of TILT's ongoing transformation and refocus efforts. While bidding farewell to Kelly, Conder acknowledged his leadership and mentorship during his tenure. As TILT evolves, the spotlight’s now on how they’ll navigate the next phase of growth—because change is the only constant in cannabis!

👾 Number Of The Day

Bananas is the #1 selling flower strain in MA with 112k units sold in the last 90 days.

Data provided by:

📺 YouTube

Happy 6th Anniversary Mary Jane | Trade to Black

What we covered:

✅In this Trade To Black Podcast, we dive into the latest cannabis industry headlines:

📈 Effin' Edibles by Ascend Wellness (AAWH): Meet the new lineup of targeted cannabis edibles designed for specific effects—whether you're looking to chill, sleep, or power through your day.

📈 Snoop Dogg’s Meteorologist Debut: Uncle Snoop takes over the Today Show as a guest meteorologist, delivering a cannabis-themed weather report filled with high vibes.

📈 Canopy Growth’s $100M Debt Prepayment: Canopy Growth (TSX: WEED) shaves off $100M in debt, making a proactive move to clean up its balance sheet.

📈 SNDL + Nova Cannabis Deal: Big news for SNDL and Nova Cannabis shareholders as they approve a major merger plan.

📈 Happy 6 year anniversary Canada

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